Electroplating equipment

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of electroplating, and discloses electroplating equipment. The electroplating equipment comprises a base, a feeding device, a jacking and correcting device, a material taking and placing device, an electroplating device and a discharging device, wherein the feeding device and the discharging device are used for conveying workpieces to be machined and electroplated workpieces to be machined; a first lifting mechanism in the jacking and restoring device is matched with symmetrically-arranged restoring pieces, and the to-be-machined piece is accurately clamped to complete restoring. A first displacement mechanism, a second lifting mechanism and an adsorption mechanism of the material taking and placing device are matched with one another, so that a to-be-machined part can be flexibly transferred in a second direction and a third direction; the cathode lifting mechanism and the spraying mechanism of the electroplating device work cooperatively, the workpiece to be machined can be borne, and the electroplating procedure can be completed by spraying liquid medicine. All the devices work cooperatively, so that the electroplating machining efficiency and precision are effectively improved, the uniformity of a plating layer can be effectively improved, the stability and consistency of electroplating quality are guaranteed, and the product performance reliability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electroplating technology, and in particular to an electroplating device. Background Technology

[0002] In solar cell manufacturing, metallization is the core process for forming electrodes and achieving photoelectric conversion. Electroplating, due to its significant cost reduction advantages, has become a highly promising electrode preparation solution and has attracted considerable attention in practical applications.

[0003] In existing electroplating equipment, traditional vertical electroplating equipment mostly adopts a static fixed cell process, which processes a small number of cells at a time, making it difficult to meet the capacity requirements of GW-level photovoltaic production lines. Moreover, cells are prone to displacement during transportation, causing the electroplating area to exceed the preset accuracy range. At the same time, the difference in liquid flow between the edge and center of the cell results in uneven coating thickness, affecting the photoelectric conversion efficiency and stability of the cell. Although traditional horizontal electroplating equipment ensures the thickness of the metal electrode by electroplating multiple times in multiple plating tanks, the uneven convection of the solution during the electroplating process leads to poor electrode thickness consistency, which also adversely affects the photoelectric conversion efficiency and stability of the cell. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an electroplating equipment to solve the problems of insufficient production capacity, deviation of the workpiece during transport leading to excessive precision in the electroplating area, uneven coating thickness, and poor electrode thickness consistency in existing electroplating equipment, thereby improving the production efficiency, electroplating precision, and coating uniformity of the workpiece electroplating.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An electroplating apparatus includes a base and a device fixedly mounted on the base.

[0007] A feeding device is used to convey multiple parts to be processed along a first direction;

[0008] The lifting and straightening device includes a first lifting mechanism and at least two straightening components. The at least two straightening components are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the feeding device. The first lifting mechanism is used to drive all the straightening components to lift synchronously. The straightening components can move towards each other to straighten multiple parts to be processed.

[0009] The material handling device includes a first displacement mechanism, a second lifting mechanism, and an adsorption mechanism. The first displacement mechanism can drive the second lifting mechanism to move along a second direction, and the second lifting mechanism can drive the adsorption mechanism to move up and down along a third direction. The adsorption mechanism is used to adsorb the workpiece to be processed.

[0010] An electroplating apparatus includes a cathode lifting mechanism and a spraying mechanism. The spraying mechanism is used to carry the workpiece to be processed and can spray a chemical solution. The cathode lifting mechanism can move up and down along the third direction. The cathode lifting mechanism and the spraying mechanism can cooperate to clamp the workpiece to be processed and electroplat the workpiece to be processed.

[0011] A feeding device is used to transport multiple electroplated parts to be processed;

[0012] The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are set perpendicular to each other.

[0013] As an alternative to electroplating equipment, the feeding device includes a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, and a straightening mechanism. The first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are arranged along the first direction, and the straightening mechanism is used to straighten the position of the workpiece to be processed on the first conveyor belt.

[0014] As an alternative to electroplating equipment, the correction mechanism includes:

[0015] The first limiting member is vertically and vertically arranged along the third direction and is used to abut against the first sidewall of the work to be processed along the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt.

[0016] At least two second limiting members are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first conveyor belt and can move towards each other to abut against the workpiece to be processed and the two adjacent side walls of the first side wall, respectively.

[0017] As an optional solution for electroplating equipment, two alignment components are provided. Each alignment component has multiple limiting grooves on its inner side. The two alignment components can move towards each other to clamp the workpiece to be processed in the limiting grooves one by one. The limiting groove includes an adjacent first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface both extend inclinedly towards the inner side of the limiting groove along the depth direction of the limiting groove and both form an obtuse angle with the bottom surface of the limiting groove.

[0018] As an alternative to electroplating equipment, the first displacement mechanism is any one of a cylinder, an electric push rod, a linear slide rail, or a linear module.

[0019] As an alternative to electroplating equipment, the second lifting mechanism can be any one of a cylinder, an electric push rod, a linear slide rail, or a linear module.

[0020] As an alternative to electroplating equipment, the spraying mechanism includes a spray disc body with an inner cavity and a limiting plate with a frame structure. The upper surface of the spray disc body is provided with a spray port and a return port, and the limiting plate is arranged along the circumferential outer edge of the upper surface of the spray disc body.

[0021] As an alternative to the electroplating equipment, the electroplating device also includes an exhaust mechanism installed on both sides of the spraying mechanism, which is used to draw in the evaporated electroplating solution.

[0022] As an alternative to electroplating equipment, the feeding device includes a plurality of rollers spaced apart along the first direction, which roll and abut against the electroplated workpiece.

[0023] As an alternative to electroplating equipment, the feeding device is provided with the unloading device, the electroplating device and the pick-and-place device on both sides along the first direction, and the unloading device, the electroplating device and the pick-and-place device on both sides are symmetrically arranged about the feeding device.

[0024] Beneficial effects:

[0025] This utility model provides an electroplating equipment that achieves efficient and continuous electroplating of workpieces through the coordinated operation of a feeding device, a lifting and straightening device, a pick-and-place device, an electroplating device, and a unloading device. The feeding and unloading devices transport the workpieces to be processed and those already electroplated, ensuring orderly flow of the workpieces. The lifting and straightening device, with its first lifting mechanism and symmetrically arranged straightening components, precisely clamps and straightens the workpieces. The pick-and-place device, with its first displacement mechanism, second lifting mechanism, and adsorption mechanism working in tandem, allows for flexible transfer of the workpieces in the second and third directions. The electroplating device, with its cathode lifting mechanism and spraying mechanism working in tandem, not only carries the workpieces but also completes the electroplating process by spraying the plating solution. This close cooperation ensures that the electroplated surface of the workpieces is evenly contacted with the plating solution. The coordinated operation of various devices has enabled the full automation of the entire process of the workpiece from conveying, straightening, picking and placing, electroplating to unloading. This effectively improves the efficiency and precision of electroplating, reduces manual operation and labor intensity, and can effectively improve the uniformity of the plating layer, ensure the stability and consistency of electroplating quality, and enhance the reliability of product performance. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electroplating equipment provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a first schematic diagram of the feeding device and the lifting and straightening device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a second schematic diagram of the feeding device and the lifting and straightening device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the feeding device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting and straightening device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view at point B in the middle;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode lifting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the spraying mechanism and the exhaust mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0036] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view at point C;

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electroplating device provided in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In the picture:

[0039] 100. Parts to be processed;

[0040] 1. Feeding device; 11. First conveyor belt; 12. Second conveyor belt; 13. Alignment mechanism; 131. First limiting component; 132. Second limiting component;

[0041] 2. Lifting and straightening device; 21. First lifting mechanism; 22. Straightening component; 221. Limiting groove; 222. Receiving groove; 2211. First inclined surface; 2212. Second inclined surface;

[0042] 3. Material handling device; 31. First displacement mechanism; 32. Second lifting mechanism; 33. Adsorption mechanism; 331. Fixing plate; 332. Suction cup;

[0043] 4. Electroplating device; 41. Cathode lifting mechanism; 42. Spraying mechanism; 43. Exhaust mechanism; 411. Driving component; 412. Brush assembly; 421. Spray disc body; 422. Limiting plate; 4211. Spray nozzle; 4212. Return port;

[0044] 5. Feeding device; 51. Rollers;

[0045] 6. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0047] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part of the device. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0049] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0050] Example 1:

[0051] An electroplating device, such as Figures 1-11As shown, the electroplating equipment includes a base 6 and a feeding device 1, a lifting and straightening device 2, a picking and unloading device 3, an electroplating device 4, and a unloading device 5, all fixedly mounted on the base 6. The feeding device 1 is used to transport multiple workpieces 100 to be processed along a first direction. The lifting and straightening device 2 includes a first lifting mechanism 21 and at least two straightening components 22, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the feeding device 1. The first lifting mechanism 21 is used to drive all the straightening components 22 to lift and lower synchronously, and the straightening components 22 can move towards each other to straighten the multiple workpieces 100 to be processed. The picking and unloading device 3 includes a first displacement mechanism 31, a second lifting mechanism 32, and an adsorption mechanism 33. Mechanism 31 can drive the second lifting mechanism 32 to move along the second direction, and the second lifting mechanism 32 can drive the adsorption mechanism 33 to move up and down along the third direction. The adsorption mechanism 33 is used to adsorb the workpiece 100 to be processed. The electroplating device 4 includes a cathode lifting mechanism 41 and a spraying mechanism 42. The spraying mechanism 42 is used to carry the workpiece 100 to be processed and can spray the chemical solution. The cathode lifting mechanism 41 can move up and down along the third direction. The cathode lifting mechanism 41 and the spraying mechanism 42 can cooperate to clamp the workpiece 100 to be processed and electroplat the workpiece 100 to be processed. The unloading device 5 is used to transport multiple workpieces 100 to be processed after electroplating. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0052] This electroplating equipment achieves efficient and continuous electroplating of the workpiece 100 through the coordinated operation of the feeding device 1, the lifting and straightening device 2, the picking and unloading device 3, the electroplating device 4, and the unloading device 5. The feeding device 1 and the unloading device 5 transport the workpiece 100 and the electroplated workpiece 100, ensuring the orderly flow of the workpiece 100. In the lifting and straightening device 2, the first lifting mechanism 21 and the symmetrically arranged straightening components 22 cooperate to accurately clamp the workpiece 100 and complete the straightening. The first displacement mechanism 31, the second lifting mechanism 32, and the adsorption mechanism 33 of the picking and unloading device 3 cooperate with each other to realize the flexible transfer of the workpiece 100 in the second and third directions. The cathode lifting mechanism 41 and the spraying mechanism 42 of the electroplating device 4 work together to both carry the workpiece 100 and complete the electroplating process by spraying the chemical solution. Through the close cooperation of the two, it is ensured that the electroplating surface of the workpiece 100 can be evenly contacted with the chemical solution. The coordinated operation of various devices has enabled the full automation of the entire process of the 100 parts to be processed, from conveying, straightening, picking and placing, electroplating to unloading. This has effectively improved the efficiency and precision of electroplating, reduced manual operation and labor intensity, and effectively improved the uniformity of the plating layer, ensuring the stability and consistency of electroplating quality and enhancing the reliability of product performance.

[0053] Optionally, the first and second directions are parallel to the horizontal plane and perpendicular to each other, while the third direction is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, ensuring that the workpiece 100 is accurately positioned and runs stably during horizontal conveying, transfer, and vertical lifting.

[0054] In this embodiment, the workpiece 100 to be processed is a solar cell. In other embodiments, the workpiece 100 can also be a semiconductor chip, a precision electronic component, a metal decorative part, or other components that require high precision in electroplating processes. Although these different types of workpieces differ in material, size, and electroplating requirements, they can all be processed efficiently and precisely by utilizing the modular design and adjustable parameters of this electroplating equipment. This can be achieved by adjusting the feeding distance, lifting and clamping force, electroplating solution ratio, and spraying parameters. This electroplating equipment has wide applicability and technical compatibility in various fields.

[0055] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the feeding device 1 includes a first conveyor belt 11, a second conveyor belt 12, and a alignment mechanism 13. The first conveyor belt 11 and the second conveyor belt 12 are arranged along a first direction. The alignment mechanism 13 is used to correct the position of the workpiece 100 to be processed on the first conveyor belt 11. The first conveyor belt 11 and the second conveyor belt 12 extend parallel to and in the same direction along the first direction. The first conveyor belt 11 is located upstream of the material transport and undertakes the initial conveying task of the workpiece 100 to be processed. The second conveyor belt 12 is located downstream and is responsible for receiving and further conveying the processed workpiece 100. The alignment mechanism 13 is integrated into the first conveyor belt 11. During the continuous operation of the first conveyor belt 11, the alignment mechanism 13 performs real-time dynamic position calibration on the moving workpiece 100. By precisely adjusting the posture of the workpiece 100, it ensures that the workpiece 100 moves forward in a standard position and direction, eliminating positional deviations caused by initial placement or conveying vibrations. After the alignment mechanism 13 completes its position calibration, the first conveyor belt 11 operates precisely according to a preset fixed-length step distance, transferring the workpiece 100 with accurate posture to the second conveyor belt 12. During this process, the second conveyor belt 12 operates synchronously, and its operating speed is precisely matched with the transfer rhythm of the first conveyor belt 11, ensuring a smooth transition for the workpiece 100 and avoiding collisions or tipping. Through this precise transfer control, the position of each workpiece 100 on the second conveyor belt 12 can precisely correspond to the alignment component 22, achieving equidistant and orderly arrangement and transport of the workpieces 100 along the first direction. This precise transport effect provides a reliable foundation for the subsequent secondary positioning and fixing of the workpiece by the lifting and alignment mechanism 13, ensuring that each workpiece 100 is in the optimal processing position during the electroplating process, thereby effectively improving the accuracy and production continuity of the electroplating process, avoiding problems such as uneven plating and material jamming caused by positional deviations of the workpiece 100, and ensuring product quality and production efficiency.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figures 1-5As shown, the feeding device 1 adopts a double-track symmetrical layout, with two independent conveying units arranged parallel to each other along the second direction. Each unit includes a first conveyor belt 11 and a second conveyor belt 12 arranged sequentially along the first direction. The first conveyor belt 11 and the second conveyor belt 12 provide parallel support to the edge of the workpiece 100, ensuring stable conveying while minimizing the contact area with the workpiece 100. This effectively reduces the risk of surface damage to the workpiece 100 caused by contact friction, ensuring the integrity and quality stability of the workpiece 100. Furthermore, both the first conveyor belt 11 and the second conveyor belt 12 are equipped with independent tensioning wheel mechanisms, which automatically adjust in real time to ensure that the conveyor belts remain flat and taut at all times. This design effectively avoids problems such as conveyor belt slackness and deviation, ensuring not only the stability of the workpiece 100 during conveying but also extending the service life of the conveyor belts, providing a reliable guarantee for the continuous and stable operation of the equipment. In other embodiments, the feeding device 1 can select toothed synchronous belts or sprocket chains for conveying based on the characteristics of the workpiece 100 and the working environment.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the first conveyor belt 11 is designed as a single-station short-distance conveying structure to achieve precise alignment of a single workpiece 100; the second conveyor belt 12 adopts a long-distance layout, which can arrange n (n greater than or equal to 2) workpieces 100 at intervals in an orderly manner. When the feeding device 1 has accumulated n+1 workpieces 100, the feeding device 1 automatically stops feeding, and the lifting and alignment device 2 performs precise positioning operation. After the unloading device 3 completes the transfer of workpieces 100 and the lifting and alignment device 2 resets, the feeding device 1 immediately resumes operation, forming an efficient and cyclical feeding process. It is worth noting that the number of workpieces 100 arranged on the second conveyor belt 12 is not limited, and the number n of workpieces 100 arranged on the second conveyor belt 12 can be 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.

[0058] like Figure 3As shown, the correction mechanism 13 includes a first limiting member 131 and at least two second limiting members 132. The first limiting member 131 is vertically movable along a third direction and is used to abut against the first side wall of the receiving workpiece 100 along the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt 11. The at least two second limiting members 132 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first conveyor belt 11 and can move towards each other to abut against the two adjacent side walls of the receiving workpiece 100 and the first side wall, respectively. The alignment mechanism 13 adopts a limit design that combines lifting and translation. The first limiter 131 is located between the two first conveyor belts 11. When not limiting, the top surface of the first limiter 131 is lower than the top surface of the first conveyor belt 11, allowing the workpiece 100 to pass smoothly. When the workpiece 100 reaches the designated position, the first limiter 131 rises along a third direction, and the top surface of the first limiter 131 is higher than the top surface of the first conveyor belt 11. The first limiter 131 can accurately abut against the foremost front surface (i.e., the first sidewall) of the workpiece 100 along the conveying direction, achieving longitudinal positioning. At the same time, the second limiters 132, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the first conveyor belt 11, move synchronously towards each other, limiting the workpiece from both sides, quickly eliminating positional and angular deviations of the workpiece 100, ensuring that it enters the subsequent process with a precise posture, and effectively improving positioning accuracy and processing consistency. Specifically, the first limiting member 131 and the two second limiting members 132 can be driven by a linear motor, an electric actuator, a cylinder, or a motor and a ball screw transmission.

[0059] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, two straightening components 22 are configured. Each straightening component 22 has multiple limiting grooves 221 on its inner side. The two straightening components 22 can move towards each other to clamp the workpiece 100 to be processed in corresponding positions within the limiting grooves 221. The limiting grooves 221 include adjacent first inclined surfaces 2211 and second inclined surfaces 2212. Both the first inclined surfaces 2211 and second inclined surfaces 2212 extend inclinedly inward along the depth direction of the limiting grooves 221 and form an obtuse angle with the bottom surface of the limiting grooves 221. The inclined structure of the limiting grooves 221 effectively solves the problem of possible positional deviation of the workpiece 100 on the feeding device 1. When the workpiece 100 enters the limiting grooves 221 in an offset state, the inclined first inclined surfaces 2211 and second inclined surfaces 2212 will first contact the edge of the workpiece 100. As the alignment components 22 move towards each other, the lateral thrust generated by the inclined plane forces the workpiece 100 to slide towards the center of the limiting groove 221 and gradually align. This structure allows the workpiece 100, which might otherwise fail to accurately enter the limiting groove 221 due to positional deviation, to be smoothly clamped and positioned under the guidance of the inclined plane. This avoids damage caused by forced compression and eliminates the need for a complex positioning system, significantly improving the reliability and processing efficiency of the electroplating equipment. It is worth noting that the number of limiting grooves 221 opened on the inner sides of the two alignment components 22 is n+1. The number n of the workpieces 100 arranged on the second conveyor belt 12 is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. Correspondingly, the number of limiting grooves 221 opened on the inner sides of the two alignment components 22 is 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the limiting groove 221, which corresponds to the workpiece 100 on the first conveyor belt 11, has a receiving groove 222 in the middle of its second inclined surface 2212 that communicates with the limiting groove 221. The receiving groove 222 is sized to fit the second limiting member 132. When the second limiting member 132 performs its alignment action, the receiving groove 222 can smoothly avoid interfering with the workpiece 100 entering the limiting groove 221, ensuring accurate positioning. The limiting grooves 221 of the two alignment members 22 are symmetrically distributed, accurately locking the four corners of the workpiece 100 to form a stable three-dimensional limiting structure. This effectively prevents the workpiece 100 from shifting or deflecting in subsequent processes, significantly improving positioning accuracy and processing stability.

[0061] The first displacement mechanism 31 can be any one of a cylinder, an electric push rod, a linear guide rail, or a linear module; the second lifting mechanism 32 can be any one of a cylinder, an electric push rod, a linear guide rail, or a linear module. Cylinders have fast response and low cost, making them suitable for scenarios with high speed requirements and low precision requirements; electric push rods have strong thrust and accurate positioning, meeting general precision and load requirements; linear guide rails offer good guidance and low friction, and are often used for light-load, high-precision motion; linear modules have high integration and strong customization, enabling high-speed, high-precision displacement and adapting to different working conditions.

[0062] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, the adsorption mechanism 33 includes a fixed plate 331 and multiple suction cups 332. The fixed plate 331 is connected to the output end of the second lifting component. The multiple suction cups 332 are fixed at intervals on the fixed plate 331. The suction nozzles of the suction cups 332 can adsorb the workpieces 100 to be processed. The adsorption mechanism 33 can adsorb 8 workpieces 100 to be processed at a time. It is worth noting that the number of workpieces 100 to be processed by the adsorption mechanism 33 at a time is not specifically limited here.

[0063] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the spraying mechanism 42 includes a spray disc body 421 with an inner cavity and a frame-structured limiting plate 422. The upper surface of the spray disc body 421 is provided with a spray nozzle 4211 and a return nozzle 4212. The limiting plate 422 is arranged along the circumferential outer edge of the upper surface of the spray disc body 421. The inner cavity of the spray disc body 421 serves as a storage and transmission space for the chemical solution. The spray nozzle 4211 and the return nozzle 4212 respectively perform the functions of chemical solution output and recovery, forming a closed-loop system to ensure efficient utilization and precise supply of the chemical solution. The frame-structured limiting plate 422 is arranged circumferentially along the upper surface of the spray disc body 421, which not only forms a physical boundary constraint on the workpiece 100 placed on the spray disc, but also prevents the workpiece from shifting during processing. The combination of these two components ensures the orderly spraying and recovery of the chemical solution and achieves stable electroplating of the workpiece 100, significantly improving the uniformity of the electroplating.

[0064] like Figure 10 As shown, the electroplating device 4 also includes an exhaust mechanism 43, which is installed on both sides of the spraying mechanism 42. The exhaust mechanism 43 is used to adsorb the evaporated electroplating solution. During the electroplating process, the electroplating solution evaporates upon heating, generating waste gas containing harmful substances such as acid mist and heavy metal vapor. The exhaust mechanism 43 uses the principle of negative pressure adsorption to quickly draw the polluting gas above the spray plate body 421 into the air duct of the exhaust mechanism 43. The dual-sided layout design can effectively cover the working area of ​​the spraying mechanism 42, preventing the diffusion of waste gas; at the same time, it can promptly adsorb the evaporated electroplating solution, reduce solution loss, maintain the stability of the electroplating solution composition, ensure the consistency of electroplating process parameters, and improve electroplating quality.

[0065] Specifically, such as Figure 9As shown, the cathode lifting mechanism 41 includes a drive component 411 and a brush assembly 412. The brush assembly 412 is connected to the output end of the drive component 411 and is connected to the cathode. During the loading and unloading phases of the workpiece 100, the drive component 411 can drive the brush assembly 412 to rise and release the contact, leaving sufficient space for the workpiece 100 to be picked up and placed, avoiding collision damage. During the electroplating operation, the brush assembly 412 is precisely controlled to descend, so that it reliably contacts the workpiece 100, forming a stable conductive path and ensuring the smooth progress of the electroplating reaction. Specifically, the drive component 411 can be a linear module, cylinder, electric actuator, or lead screw drive assembly, etc.

[0066] Specifically, the inner cavity of the spray plate body 421 is provided with a titanium plate, which is connected to the anode and makes the flowing liquid conductive. The brush assembly 412 is connected to the cathode and cooperates with the spray plate body 421 to clamp the workpiece 100 to be processed, which can ensure stable contact of the workpiece 100 to be processed during the electroplating process, providing a guarantee for the formation of a stable closed circuit, thereby further improving the electroplating effect and efficiency.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the unloading device 5 is located between the loading device 1 and the electroplating device 4. The unloading device 5 includes a plurality of rollers 51 spaced apart along a first direction. The rollers 51 roll and abut against the electroplated workpiece 100. This effectively reduces the contact area between the workpiece and the rollers 51, reduces the risk of surface scratches, and avoids damage to the electroplated layer due to friction. The rolling characteristics of the rollers 51 ensure that the workpiece is subjected to uniform force during transportation. Even when facing an irregularly shaped workpiece 100, smooth and jam-free transmission can be achieved through the coordinated rolling of the rollers 51.

[0068] Specifically, the driving methods for the multiple rollers 51 include synchronous belt drive (the rollers 51 are connected by a synchronous belt, and the first roller 51 is driven by a motor to achieve synchronous rotation), chain drive (the rollers 51 are connected by a chain and a sprocket), independent motor drive (each roller 51 is equipped with an independent motor), and friction wheel drive (the rollers 51 are indirectly driven by the friction wheels at the bottom of the multiple rollers 51).

[0069] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the feeding device 1 has a feeding device 5, an electroplating device 4, and a material handling device 3 on both sides along the first direction, and the feeding device 5, electroplating device 4, and material handling device 3 on both sides are symmetrically arranged about the feeding device 1. The electroplating equipment adopts a symmetrical layout, with the feeding device 1 located in the center, alternately feeding material to the material handling devices 3 on both sides. Combined with the symmetrically distributed electroplating devices 4 and feeding devices 5 on both sides, a dual-station parallel operation mode is formed, achieving double the output capacity, significantly improving processing efficiency per unit time, effectively shortening the production cycle, and maximizing equipment utilization.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the electroplating equipment has two feeding devices 1 arranged horizontally along the second direction. Each feeding device 1 can hold 8 workpieces 100 at a time, and the two feeding devices 1 can hold a total of 16 workpieces 100. Each feeding device 1 has two picking and placing devices 3 on each side along the first direction, and each picking and placing device 3 can pick up 8 workpieces 100 at a time. Each picking and placing device 3 is symmetrically equipped with a cathode lifting mechanism 41 on both sides along the second direction, and each cathode lifting mechanism 41 can hold 4 workpieces 100 at a time. Correspondingly, each feeding device 1 has 16 spraying mechanisms 42 on one side. Through the coordinated operation of all devices, this electroplating equipment 4 can electroplat 32 workpieces 100 at a time, significantly improving production efficiency.

[0071] Furthermore, keeping the surface of the workpiece 100 and the brush assembly 412 dry during the electroplating process effectively prevents electroplating layer buildup at the edges of the workpiece 100. For solar cells, abnormal edge electroplating can easily lead to short circuits, uneven resistance, and other problems. This drying design eliminates such potential hazards at the source, ensuring stable electrical performance of the solar cells. In addition, the spray pressure and flow rate of each spray disc body 421 can be independently adjusted. During operation, the parameters of each spray disc body 421 are uniformly calibrated to ensure that the pressure and flow rate of the electroplating solution are highly consistent, ensuring that the coating uniformity on the surface of the workpiece 100 meets the standards, further improving the yield rate of the workpiece 100.

[0072] An electroplating method using an electroplating apparatus, the electroplating method comprising:

[0073] S1: The feeding device 1 conveys the workpiece 100 to be processed along the first direction;

[0074] S2: The lifting and straightening device 2 positions the workpiece 100 to be processed on the feeding device 1 within the limiting groove 221 of the straightening part 22;

[0075] S3: The material handling device 3 transfers the workpiece 100 to be processed in the limiting groove 221 to the spraying mechanism 42;

[0076] S4: The cathode lifting mechanism 41 descends along a third direction and comes into contact with the workpiece 100 to be processed, and the electroplating device 4 performs electroplating operations.

[0077] S5: Electroplating is complete. The cathode lifting mechanism 41 rises, and the material handling device 3 transfers the electroplated workpiece 100 to the unloading device 5.

[0078] In this embodiment, as Figures 1-11 As shown, the working process of electroplating equipment is roughly as follows:

[0079] (1) The workpieces 100 to be processed are placed sequentially on the first conveyor belt 11 of the feeding device 1. After being aligned by the alignment mechanism 13, they are conveyed to the second conveyor belt 12. When there are 8 workpieces 100 to be processed on the feeding device 1, the feeding device 1 stops feeding. There are two feeding devices 1 on both sides, which can accommodate 16 workpieces to be processed at the same time.

[0080] (2) The first lifting mechanism 21 in the lifting and straightening device 2 starts to lift and straighten the straightening component 22, which smoothly lifts the workpiece 100 to be processed. During the lifting process, the workpiece 100 to be processed gradually enters the limiting groove 221 of the straightening component 22. The limiting groove 221 corrects the workpiece 100 with positional deviation, ensuring that each workpiece 100 to be processed is in a precise positioning state.

[0081] (3) After the workpiece 100 is positioned, the two pick-and-place devices 3 on one side adsorb a total of 16 workpieces 100 in a single operation along the first direction. They simultaneously adsorb and grab the workpieces 100 in the limiting groove 221 using vacuum adsorption, and then transfer them to the spraying mechanism 42 of the electroplating device 4 according to the planned path. There are 16 spraying mechanisms 42 on one side of the feeding device 1. The two pick-and-place devices 3 accurately place the workpieces 100 at the designated position of each spraying mechanism 42, and then move the pick-and-place devices 3 along the second direction above the unloading device 5.

[0082] (4) After the workpiece 100 is placed in place, the cathode lifting mechanism 41 in the electroplating device 4 begins to work. Each loading and unloading device 3 is symmetrically equipped with a cathode lifting mechanism 41 on both sides along the second direction. A single cathode lifting mechanism 41 can abut against 4 workpieces 100 at a time. The cathode lifting mechanism 41 descends smoothly along the third direction until it is in close contact with the workpiece 100. At this time, the electroplating device 4 is powered on. Under the action of the chemical solution, current passes through the cathode and the workpiece 100, causing metal ions in the chemical solution to deposit on the surface of the workpiece 100, and the electroplating operation begins.

[0083] (5) When the electroplating operation reaches the predetermined process parameters and time requirements, the electroplating is completed. The cathode lifting mechanism 41 rises along a third direction and separates from the electroplated workpiece 100. The pick-and-place device 3 is restarted to pick up the electroplated workpiece 100 from the spraying mechanism 42 and transfer it to the unloading device 5 according to the planned path. The unloading device 5 receives the electroplated workpiece 100 and sends it out of the electroplating equipment through the rollers 51 for subsequent inspection, packaging and other processes.

[0084] Throughout the electroplating process, due to the symmetrical layout of the electroplating equipment, the feeding device 1 alternately supplies materials to the picking and unloading devices 3 on both sides, and the electroplating devices 4 and unloading devices 5 on both sides operate synchronously, forming a dual-station parallel mode, ultimately achieving electroplating of 32 parts to be processed at a time, which greatly improves production efficiency.

[0085] Example 2:

[0086] The electroplating equipment and electroplating method provided in this embodiment are largely the same as those provided in Embodiment 1. The similarities will not be repeated here. The differences are as follows: Figure 12 As shown, the layout of the feeding device 1, lifting and straightening device 2, material handling device 3, electroplating device 4 and unloading device 5, as well as the specific number of electroplating parts 100 to be processed are shown.

[0087] In this embodiment, the feeding device 5 is provided with electroplating devices 4 on both sides along the first direction, and the feeding device 1 is provided on the opposite side of one of the electroplating devices 4. Figure 12 As shown, from right to left along the second direction are the loading device 1, the electroplating device 4, the unloading device 5, and the pick-and-place device 3, located above the loading device 1, the electroplating device 4, and the unloading device 5. This embodiment adopts a single-sided divergent layout. By arranging the loading device 1, the unloading device 5, and the two sets of electroplating devices 4 in an orderly manner along a linear direction, and placing the pick-and-place device 3 above for overall coordination, the lateral footprint of the electroplating equipment is effectively reduced, lowering space deployment costs. In this layout, the pick-and-place device 3 can complete the entire process of loading, electroplating transfer, and unloading along a single trajectory, reducing redundant backtracking of the movement path and improving the continuity of actions and response speed. At the same time, the two sets of electroplating devices 4 can process different batches of workpieces 100 in parallel, avoiding idle waiting of the electroplating equipment and enabling rapid processing of workpieces 100 through flexible batch switching. While ensuring processing efficiency, this significantly improves the production flexibility of the electroplating equipment.

[0088] like Figure 12As shown, the electroplating equipment has three feeding devices 1 arranged horizontally along the second direction. Each feeding device 1 can carry 12 workpieces 100 at a time, and the three feeding devices 1 can carry a total of 36 workpieces 100 at a time. The electroplating equipment is equipped with two picking and unloading devices 3, each of which can pick up 18 workpieces 100 at a time, achieving full coverage picking. Each of the two sets of electroplating devices 4 is equipped with four cathode lifting mechanisms 41, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the picking and unloading devices 3. Each cathode lifting mechanism 41 can simultaneously abut 9 workpieces 100, and is correspondingly equipped with 36 spraying mechanisms. When the first electroplating unit 4 is performing electroplating, the feeding unit 1 and the unloading unit 3 simultaneously supply materials to the second electroplating unit 4. When the second electroplating unit 4 starts the electroplating process, the first electroplated workpiece 100 is simultaneously transferred to the unloading unit 5. Through the cross-operation of processes, the seamless connection between electroplating, feeding and unloading is achieved, ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the electroplating equipment.

[0089] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown, for ease of description, the electroplating device 4 furthest from the feeding device 1 is defined as the first group of electroplating devices 4, and the electroplating device 4 closest to the feeding device 1 is defined as the second group of electroplating devices 4. The working process of the electroplating equipment is roughly as follows:

[0090] (1) The workpieces 100 to be processed are placed sequentially on the first conveyor belt 11 of the feeding device 1. After being aligned by the alignment mechanism 13, they are conveyed to the second conveyor belt 12. When there are 12 workpieces 100 to be processed on each feeding device 1, the feeding device 1 stops feeding. A total of three feeding devices 1 are set up, which can accommodate 36 workpieces to be processed at the same time. Subsequently, the first lifting mechanism 21 in the lifting alignment device 2 starts to lift the alignment component 22, which smoothly lifts the workpieces 100 to be processed.

[0091] (2) After the workpiece 100 is positioned, the two pick-and-place devices 3 on the side of the loading device 1 adsorb a total of 36 workpieces 100 in a single operation along the first direction. The workpieces 100 in the limiting groove 221 are simultaneously adsorbed and gripped using vacuum adsorption, and then transferred to the spraying mechanism 42 of the first electroplating device 4 according to the planned path. There are 36 spraying mechanisms 42 along the loading device 1, and the two pick-and-place devices 3 precisely place the workpieces 100 at the designated positions of each spraying mechanism 42.

[0092] (3) After the workpiece 100 is placed in place, the cathode lifting mechanism 41 in the first electroplating device 4 begins to work. Each pick-and-place device 3 is symmetrically equipped with a cathode lifting mechanism 41 on both sides along the second direction, and a single cathode lifting mechanism 41 can abut against 9 workpieces 100 at a time. The cathode lifting mechanism 41 descends smoothly along the third direction until it is in close contact with the workpiece 100. At this time, the first electroplating device 4 is powered on and begins electroplating. At the same time, the feeding device 1 continuously supplies material, and while the first electroplating device 4 is electroplating the workpiece 100, the pick-and-place device 3 supplies material to the second electroplating device 4.

[0093] (4) When the first electroplating unit 4 completes electroplating, the cathode lifting mechanism 41 rises in a third direction, and the pick-and-place device 3 picks up the workpiece 100 on the spraying mechanism 42 and transfers it to the unloading device 5 along a preset path for subsequent processes. When the second electroplating unit 4 completes electroplating, the pick-and-place device 3 transfers the workpiece 100 to the unloading device 5 in the same process, and so on, to ensure that the electroplating equipment operates efficiently at all times.

[0094] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electroplating device, characterized in that, Includes a base (6) and components fixedly mounted on the base (6): A feeding device (1) is used to convey multiple parts to be processed (100) along a first direction; The lifting and straightening device (2) includes a first lifting mechanism (21) and at least two straightening components (22). The at least two straightening components (22) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the feeding device (1). The first lifting mechanism (21) is used to drive all the straightening components (22) to lift synchronously. The straightening components (22) can move towards each other to straighten multiple workpieces (100) to be processed. The material handling device (3) includes a first displacement mechanism (31), a second lifting mechanism (32), and an adsorption mechanism (33). The first displacement mechanism (31) can drive the second lifting mechanism (32) to move along a second direction, and the second lifting mechanism (32) can drive the adsorption mechanism (33) to move along a third direction. The adsorption mechanism (33) is used to adsorb the workpiece (100) to be processed. The electroplating apparatus (4) includes a cathode lifting mechanism (41) and a spraying mechanism (42). The spraying mechanism (42) is used to carry the workpiece (100) to be processed and can spray the chemical solution. The cathode lifting mechanism (41) can be lifted and lowered along the third direction. The cathode lifting mechanism (41) and the spraying mechanism (42) can cooperate to clamp the workpiece (100) to be processed and electroplat the workpiece (100). The feeding device (5) is used to transport multiple electroplated parts (100) to be processed; The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are set perpendicular to each other.

2. The electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding device (1) includes a first conveyor belt (11), a second conveyor belt (12), and a straightening mechanism (13). The first conveyor belt (11) and the second conveyor belt (12) are arranged along the first direction. The straightening mechanism (13) is used to straighten the position of the workpiece (100) on the first conveyor belt (11).

3. The electroplating equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The correction mechanism (13) includes: The first limiting member (131) is vertically and vertically arranged along the third direction and is used to abut against the first side wall of the workpiece to be processed (100) along the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt (11); At least two second limiting members (132) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first conveyor belt (11) and can move towards each other to abut against the workpiece (100) and the two adjacent side walls of the first side wall, respectively.

4. The electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The correcting component (22) is configured as two, and each correcting component (22) has multiple limiting grooves (221) on its inner side. The two correcting components (22) can move towards each other to clamp the workpiece (100) to be processed in the limiting groove (221) one by one. The limiting groove (221) includes an adjacent first inclined surface (2211) and a second inclined surface (2212). The first inclined surface (2211) and the second inclined surface (2212) both extend inclinedly towards the inner side of the limiting groove (221) along the depth direction of the limiting groove (221) and both form an obtuse angle with the bottom surface of the limiting groove (221).

5. The electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first displacement mechanism (31) is any one of a cylinder, an electric push rod, a linear slide rail, or a linear module.

6. The electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second lifting mechanism (32) is any one of a cylinder, an electric push rod, a linear slide rail, or a linear module.

7. The electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spraying mechanism (42) includes a spray disc body (421) with an inner cavity and a limiting plate (422) with a frame structure. The upper surface of the spray disc body (421) is provided with a spray port (4211) and a return port (4212). The limiting plate (422) is arranged along the circumferential outer edge of the upper surface of the spray disc body (421).

8. The electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electroplating device (4) further includes a ventilation mechanism (43), which is installed on both sides of the spraying mechanism (42) and is used to draw in the evaporated electroplating solution.

9. The electroplating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding device (5) includes a plurality of rollers (51) spaced apart along the first direction, and the plurality of rollers (51) roll against the electroplated workpiece (100).

10. The electroplating equipment according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The feeding device (1) is provided with the unloading device (5), the electroplating device (4) and the picking and placing device (3) on both sides along the first direction, and the unloading device (5), the electroplating device (4) and the picking and placing device (3) on both sides are symmetrically arranged with respect to the feeding device (1).

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